Rugby Union 2 years ago

Godwin to press for Wallabies spot

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 18: Kyle Godwin of the Force looks to break from a tackle during the round 10 Super Rugby match between the Force and the Stormers at nib Stadium on April 18, 2015 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Kyle Godwin is jostling for a possible Wallabies debut in the Rugby Championship clash with South Africa on Saturday.

With five-eighth Quade Cooper and new inside centre Bernard Foley expected to be retained, Godwin is in line for a bench appearance against the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium after he was one of five new players called into the Australian squad.

Attack coach Stephen Larkham will run his eye over the 23-year-old this week but will also work with him on a permanent basis next year at Super Rugby level.

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Godwin, who announced his departure from the Western Force in July, said his deal with the Brumbies would soon be completed.

"We're trying to sort that out with my manager, just finalising all those final details," Godwin said.

Former Force teammate David Pocock believes the move to Canberra will help unlock the Zimbabwe-born centre's undoubted potential.

"It's been good to watch him develop over the last few years," Pocock said.

"Injuries probably have hampered his development a bit and at the Force, he probably hasn't been part of a team that has allowed him to play his natural game at times and that's been tough.

"Everyone knows what he can do as a player. Hopefully he can step up this week and contribute and we'll see what the coaches reckon."

Godwin trained with the Wallabies on the Sunshine Coast earlier this year but hasn't been an official squad member since the 2014 Spring tour.

A natural inside centre, Godwin scored a try for the NSW Country Eagles in their win over the University of Canberra in the National Rugby Championship on Sunday.

"I've spoken briefly to Cheik about stuff to work on in my game," he said.

"Obviously there has been a few injuries in my position.

"I'm just happy to be here and hopefully challenge the boys and learn off them in the next couple of weeks."